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Sorcerous Moons #1
Lonen's War
An Unquiet Heart
Alone in her tower, Princess Oria has spent too long studying her people’s barbarian enemies, the Destrye—and neglected the search for calm that will control her magic and release her to society. Her restlessness makes meditation hopeless and her fragility renders human companionship unbearable. Oria is near giving up. Then the Destrye attack, and her people’s lives depend on her handling of their prince…
A Fight Without Hope
When the cornered Destrye decided to strike back, Lonen never thought he’d live through the battle, let alone demand justice as a conqueror. And yet he must keep up his guard against the sorceress who speaks for the city. Oria’s people are devious, her claims of ignorance absurd. The frank honesty her eyes promise could be just one more layer of deception.
A Savage Bargain
Fighting for time and trust, Oria and Lonen have one final sacrifice to choose… before an even greater threat consumes them all.
Alone in her tower, Princess Oria has spent too long studying her people’s barbarian enemies, the Destrye—and neglected the search for calm that will control her magic and release her to society. Her restlessness makes meditation hopeless and her fragility renders human companionship unbearable. Oria is near giving up. Then the Destrye attack, and her people’s lives depend on her handling of their prince…
A Fight Without Hope
When the cornered Destrye decided to strike back, Lonen never thought he’d live through the battle, let alone demand justice as a conqueror. And yet he must keep up his guard against the sorceress who speaks for the city. Oria’s people are devious, her claims of ignorance absurd. The frank honesty her eyes promise could be just one more layer of deception.
A Savage Bargain
Fighting for time and trust, Oria and Lonen have one final sacrifice to choose… before an even greater threat consumes them all.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
146 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
100 books1,339 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 16, 2023
~2.5⭐️~
Ok sweet Zainab encouraged me to do it (when I was on my fifth book of this series🧎🏻♀️) so here we are♡
I saw the first book pop on my screen a week ago, and truth be told I've been obsessed since. Listen, I might have given this series five stars as a whole bc of the enjoyment but I usually rate how the book is for my taste rather than just rate it for vibes alone. Guys, I swear I wish I was that person that gives a 4 or 5 stars to books based solely on enjoyment but I'm a hater at heart when it comes to bad books😭
I mean the writing is well done but you know...sometimes you have those books where you think to yourself "Why"💀
A lot of the times common sense became rare sense or the sense was not sensing altogether👩🏻🦯
So what's happening in this chaos u ask? (I don't think u did but anyhow) Well the smut scenes are on point after book one, HOWEVER, my gurl cannot touch a soul. The author is very creative, just know.🤭 I'm like how do u even come up with that💀
Basically in this magical world full of apparently lizard dragons and horny main characters (y'all deserve a church----relatable, ANYWAY) we have missy Oria who bc of a hocus pocus she has in her blood, she can't touch anyone bc she gets woosie. Due to...aham...circumstances, she meets an alarmingly high-tower barbarian (he's hot and big btw if I didn't mention) aham. Now, u see, they can't do the banga wanga even after some other circumstances that brought them closer. But they're big kids and they can manage things just fine in the end.
I'm not gonna say more bc obviously SPOILERS. BUT. If u enjoy books like Ice Planet Barbariens with sorcerers, some war politics, a dash of letal dragons and a friendly winged-lizard familiar I think u'll love this series. Again, not entirely for my tastes but they're all like 200 and smth pages maybe less so the books are quick and easy to read. Plus they might get addicting, especially if u're waiting for the characters to actually DO IT ALREADY😇
I'm done, chiaos loves
Ok sweet Zainab encouraged me to do it (when I was on my fifth book of this series🧎🏻♀️) so here we are♡
I saw the first book pop on my screen a week ago, and truth be told I've been obsessed since. Listen, I might have given this series five stars as a whole bc of the enjoyment but I usually rate how the book is for my taste rather than just rate it for vibes alone. Guys, I swear I wish I was that person that gives a 4 or 5 stars to books based solely on enjoyment but I'm a hater at heart when it comes to bad books😭
I mean the writing is well done but you know...sometimes you have those books where you think to yourself "Why"💀
A lot of the times common sense became rare sense or the sense was not sensing altogether👩🏻🦯
So what's happening in this chaos u ask? (I don't think u did but anyhow) Well the smut scenes are on point after book one, HOWEVER, my gurl cannot touch a soul. The author is very creative, just know.🤭 I'm like how do u even come up with that💀
Basically in this magical world full of apparently lizard dragons and horny main characters (y'all deserve a church----relatable, ANYWAY) we have missy Oria who bc of a hocus pocus she has in her blood, she can't touch anyone bc she gets woosie. Due to...aham...circumstances, she meets an alarmingly high-tower barbarian (he's hot and big btw if I didn't mention) aham. Now, u see, they can't do the banga wanga even after some other circumstances that brought them closer. But they're big kids and they can manage things just fine in the end.
I'm not gonna say more bc obviously SPOILERS. BUT. If u enjoy books like Ice Planet Barbariens with sorcerers, some war politics, a dash of letal dragons and a friendly winged-lizard familiar I think u'll love this series. Again, not entirely for my tastes but they're all like 200 and smth pages maybe less so the books are quick and easy to read. Plus they might get addicting, especially if u're waiting for the characters to actually DO IT ALREADY😇
I'm done, chiaos loves
July 27, 2016
This review appears as a blog post as part of All About Romance's mini-reviews at: http://allaboutromance.com/midweek-mi...
This is the first story in the Sorcerous Moons series. It's a planned 3 book trilogy (I believe) and this story sets the stage for the romance between Oria and Lonen. As such, I wouldn't say this book itself is in the fantasy romance genre, but rather just fantasy as the two main characters, while they interact several times, do not have a romance between them as of yet. I also don't think it's meant to be read as a standalone, but to be considered the first part of the story.
This story tells of the Bara and the Destrye peoples, who are at war. The Bara are a magically influenced society with sorcerers and sorceresses who rely on their unique brands of telepathy to influence and strengthen each other. The perfect marriage bond is one in which the two people complement each other with their sources of magic. But those are few and far between. Princess Oria has long wanted to gain the powers her mother and sister have but so far has been unable to reach the 'zen' like state that it requires for her to become a full sorceress. But her time is up when the Destrye people attack. Suddenly she is thrust into a position of power and must make a truce with their leader as their attack threatens to overwhelm the populace. But Oria is also under attack from her own factions who would see her stay locked in her tower.
Lonen is desperate to protect his people from the vicious golems sent by the Bara people who are stealing their water. Along with his brothers and his father the king, they intend to destroy the Bara once and for all, stopping their evil attacks and the theft of their precious resource. But the slip of a girl, Princess Oria is like no-one he's ever seen before, and despite his thoughts that there must be some trickery involved in her truce offer, he accepts. They are two people thrust into positions of power for their followers and must find a way to co-operate, especially when a third species enters the fray and threatens to destroy them both.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding of this story, the magic systems and the obvious differences between the two cultures. As is often the case, the fight between their two peoples is a result of the decisions taken by a few, and those decisions have wreaked havoc on Lonen's people, and now Bara's as a result. Despite Oria's external fragility, I found her to be a rather strong character and really enjoyed the relationship she has with her familiar, a small dragon named Chuffta. Though I would have wished for a little romance between Lonen and Oria, they have definitely established a connection and must find a way to work together to save their people. I look forward to reading the next part of their story! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This is the first story in the Sorcerous Moons series. It's a planned 3 book trilogy (I believe) and this story sets the stage for the romance between Oria and Lonen. As such, I wouldn't say this book itself is in the fantasy romance genre, but rather just fantasy as the two main characters, while they interact several times, do not have a romance between them as of yet. I also don't think it's meant to be read as a standalone, but to be considered the first part of the story.
This story tells of the Bara and the Destrye peoples, who are at war. The Bara are a magically influenced society with sorcerers and sorceresses who rely on their unique brands of telepathy to influence and strengthen each other. The perfect marriage bond is one in which the two people complement each other with their sources of magic. But those are few and far between. Princess Oria has long wanted to gain the powers her mother and sister have but so far has been unable to reach the 'zen' like state that it requires for her to become a full sorceress. But her time is up when the Destrye people attack. Suddenly she is thrust into a position of power and must make a truce with their leader as their attack threatens to overwhelm the populace. But Oria is also under attack from her own factions who would see her stay locked in her tower.
Lonen is desperate to protect his people from the vicious golems sent by the Bara people who are stealing their water. Along with his brothers and his father the king, they intend to destroy the Bara once and for all, stopping their evil attacks and the theft of their precious resource. But the slip of a girl, Princess Oria is like no-one he's ever seen before, and despite his thoughts that there must be some trickery involved in her truce offer, he accepts. They are two people thrust into positions of power for their followers and must find a way to co-operate, especially when a third species enters the fray and threatens to destroy them both.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding of this story, the magic systems and the obvious differences between the two cultures. As is often the case, the fight between their two peoples is a result of the decisions taken by a few, and those decisions have wreaked havoc on Lonen's people, and now Bara's as a result. Despite Oria's external fragility, I found her to be a rather strong character and really enjoyed the relationship she has with her familiar, a small dragon named Chuffta. Though I would have wished for a little romance between Lonen and Oria, they have definitely established a connection and must find a way to work together to save their people. I look forward to reading the next part of their story! 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
August 9, 2016
I did not really know who to root for at first. The Barbarian Horde was all kill them all! BUT they claimed that they had been attacked before. As for the people of Dara I only had Oria's opinion and she had no idea why they were attacking. Except for them being barbarians. So I was not too happy about the Destrye to be honest. And not at all when things comes to pass later on.
It's not a fantasy romance, there is not an inch of romance in it. But I guess there will be in coming books. Cos duh, you read the blurb and think that they will hook up. But he keeps thinking of someone else and I am so not down with that. But then he thinks of Oria too, and I am all no you didn't! It did not really make me love Lonen. He has to prove himself in book 2 if he is gonna win me over. He does better himself, but in another way it just makes it all worse.
Oh and you should see him go all but she said! Oh man, she is not the ruler of this place. Silly little Destrye. You will see.
As for Oria's family, they do not show that much redeeming traits. Maybe the city really should burn.
I have no idea where I am , let me see. Oria aka stuck in a cover, can't use the magic she should, never leaves said tower. And Lonen the barbarian who goes all I trust her.
Fighting. Trying to make peace. Inviting trouble. The foundation for the whole city cracking...
It was an interesting story, there are some...things I would like to learn more of. The romance part seemed utterly doomed and hope not. I'd like some romance, maybe some happy banter too.
It's not a fantasy romance, there is not an inch of romance in it. But I guess there will be in coming books. Cos duh, you read the blurb and think that they will hook up. But he keeps thinking of someone else and I am so not down with that. But then he thinks of Oria too, and I am all no you didn't! It did not really make me love Lonen. He has to prove himself in book 2 if he is gonna win me over. He does better himself, but in another way it just makes it all worse.
Oh and you should see him go all but she said! Oh man, she is not the ruler of this place. Silly little Destrye. You will see.
As for Oria's family, they do not show that much redeeming traits. Maybe the city really should burn.
I have no idea where I am , let me see. Oria aka stuck in a cover, can't use the magic she should, never leaves said tower. And Lonen the barbarian who goes all I trust her.
Fighting. Trying to make peace. Inviting trouble. The foundation for the whole city cracking...
It was an interesting story, there are some...things I would like to learn more of. The romance part seemed utterly doomed and hope not. I'd like some romance, maybe some happy banter too.
April 9, 2019
The story line was a great concept and I enjoyed it but when I got to the end...I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue...so....I did a bad thing - I read the synopsis of the rest of the series along with some of the reviews and got the cliffnotes of the rest of the series. It's just hard to commit to a 6 book series - especially with what was happening in the story (sorry...can't give anything away)
January 30, 2017
So, the second book was available on NetGalley and I requested it because Grace Draven raves about Jeffe Kennedy. I enjoyed Oria’s Gambit so much that I went back and bought Lonen's War.
Despite knowing pretty much everything that would happen in the novel I still enjoyed it.
Loner is the third son of King Archimago. Their kingdom of Dru is dying after vicious clawed golems steal their water and their lakes dry up. Tracing the golems back to their source they identify that the golems were sent by a desert race of priests and priestesses called the Bara.
Oria is the sensitive princess of Bara. Unlike her brothers, she has never managed to achieve hwil, the required control of emotions, necessary to take the mask of a priestess and she is so badly affected by the emotions of others that she spends her days isolated in a tower with only the most skilled at hwil able to tend to her.
But when Lonen's army lays siege to Bara and starts killing priests and priestesses, the untutored Oria may be her people's last best hope (sorry, I've got a bit of a quoting sci-fi thing going on today).
Like many fantasy Bildungsroman novels, Oria is more than she seems, her weakness may simply be a version of her being the proverbial Ugly Duckling, but can she negotiate with the Destrye?
This was great world building. The Destrye live in lush forests (until the golems drain their lakes), they are sensual, meat-eating warriors. dark-skinned and muscular warriors. The Bara in contrast live in a desert kingdom of delicate spires. People of magical abilities they are vegetarian, pale-skinned and more technologically advanced. I kind of think of them as being Japanese in temperament and aesthetics but with blonde hair whereas I think of the Destrye as being a bit like Gerard Butler in the film 300, but with longer curly hair - maybe I mean the Persians instead? Anyway, I loved the double-dealing and magic and magical creatures and clash of cultures. Can't wait to read the third instalment.
Beware this is more like part one than a self-contained story and it sort of has a cliffhanger.
Jeffe Kennedy has definitely become an auto buy author.
Despite knowing pretty much everything that would happen in the novel I still enjoyed it.
Loner is the third son of King Archimago. Their kingdom of Dru is dying after vicious clawed golems steal their water and their lakes dry up. Tracing the golems back to their source they identify that the golems were sent by a desert race of priests and priestesses called the Bara.
Oria is the sensitive princess of Bara. Unlike her brothers, she has never managed to achieve hwil, the required control of emotions, necessary to take the mask of a priestess and she is so badly affected by the emotions of others that she spends her days isolated in a tower with only the most skilled at hwil able to tend to her.
But when Lonen's army lays siege to Bara and starts killing priests and priestesses, the untutored Oria may be her people's last best hope (sorry, I've got a bit of a quoting sci-fi thing going on today).
Like many fantasy Bildungsroman novels, Oria is more than she seems, her weakness may simply be a version of her being the proverbial Ugly Duckling, but can she negotiate with the Destrye?
This was great world building. The Destrye live in lush forests (until the golems drain their lakes), they are sensual, meat-eating warriors. dark-skinned and muscular warriors. The Bara in contrast live in a desert kingdom of delicate spires. People of magical abilities they are vegetarian, pale-skinned and more technologically advanced. I kind of think of them as being Japanese in temperament and aesthetics but with blonde hair whereas I think of the Destrye as being a bit like Gerard Butler in the film 300, but with longer curly hair - maybe I mean the Persians instead? Anyway, I loved the double-dealing and magic and magical creatures and clash of cultures. Can't wait to read the third instalment.
Beware this is more like part one than a self-contained story and it sort of has a cliffhanger.
Jeffe Kennedy has definitely become an auto buy author.
July 24, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
If you like stories of overlooked princesses coming into their own in spite of withering expectations, you will love Lonen’s War. Likewise if you enjoy epic fantasy with lots of political skullduggery, ( like The Goblin Emperor and Sorcerer to the Crown) because this book certainly fills that bill as well.
And if you are a fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms series, you are going to absolutely adore this.
The story in Lonen’s War has strong resemblances to the story in The Mark of the Tala, as well as The Queen of the Tearling. In all of these stories, a young woman who has been locked away and denied the knowledge of her birthright finds out everything anyway, and takes somewhat untutored command when events head towards disaster. Also as in The Mark of the Tala, the definition of “barbarian” depends a lot on which side of the conflict you are standing in. If handsome is as handsome does, and barbarism is as barbarian does, the supposedly savage Destrye turn out to be way less barbarous than the supposedly civilized Barans.
No one expects any of these overlooked princesses to succeed. In fact, there are plenty of forces in all three stories who are gleefully counting on failure – and most of them are supposedly on the princess’s side.
The story in Lonen’s War starts out as a conquest story, and ends up as the very beginning of a very necessary (and probably very messessary) political overthrow. The powers that be in Oria’s kingdom of Bara have held unchallenged sway for far too long.
We have a tale of power corrupting, absolute power corrupting absolutely, and all the chickens coming home to roost in the form of vicious monsters who are happy to kill everyone on both sides to get what they believe is their due.
Oria is the princess that everyone tries to forget. She seems to be unable to muster the maturity to grasp the magical power that her people hold. Now in her early 20s, she is a princess-bird in a gilded cage, who must remain in her cage or be overwhelmed by the unmanaged and unmanageable emotions of others.
Oria is thought to be emotionally and psychologically fragile, and is kept physically fragile as well. She is also kept in the dark. She may not be able to master her people’s magic, but her intellect works perfectly well. As she proves when her country is conquered and she is the last member of the royal house still standing.
But the peace that she negotiates with the leader of their conquerors is as fragile as she is, and her power is swept away by law and custom the moment that an alternative ruler is found. It is up to Oria to make common cause with the Barbarian King, Lonen, in order to forge a peace for both their countries, to face an enemy that will destroy them all.
For sport.
Escape Rating A-: Lonen’s War starts out just a bit slow. It is necessary for the progress of the story to see the way that power is controlled in Bara, and to learn both just how much Oria has been kept in the dark, and how deeply out of touch the powers that be in her country are. But when Oria is essentially gnashing her teeth at everything that is being kept from her, this reader was gnashing right along with her.
All of the problems that occur in this story are problems that the Barans have brought upon themselves. I would say that they may deserve their fate, but it is the people who will die first while the so-called nobility hide behind their walls.
The Barans believed that they could do as they pleased to the rest of their world, because they believed that no one could stop them. And they choose to stop at nothing to stay on top of what turns out to be a rather decaying heap. It is Oria, with her lack of formal training, who is able to think outside of the conventional box and see her people for what they really are.
Although the story is titled Lonen’s War, most of the perspective comes from Oria’s side of the story. Lonen and his people are forced to bring their war to Baran, but it is Oria who helps find a peace that can work for both parties. Unfortunately there are just too many forces arrayed against her among her own people for her way to be easy. Or quick.
One of the constant themes in this story that is both interesting and frustrating centers around the keeping of secrets. Oria is kept in the dark because she is supposedly incapable. And the powers that be do everything in their power to reinforce that assumption. They want a weak and easily manipulated monarch, and Oria is not that.
However, once Oria finally becomes privy to some of those deadly secrets, she in her turn keeps them from Lonen so that he will fall in with her plans. She has the best of intentions, but those secrets are bound to bite them both in the ass in later books. Especially as our heroes are about to enter into a marriage of convenience (and probably a lot of inconvenience) as this book closes. For this political alliance to turn into a real marriage, someone is going to have to eat a lot of crow.
I can hardly wait. Oria’s Gambit is coming next month!
If you like stories of overlooked princesses coming into their own in spite of withering expectations, you will love Lonen’s War. Likewise if you enjoy epic fantasy with lots of political skullduggery, ( like The Goblin Emperor and Sorcerer to the Crown) because this book certainly fills that bill as well.
And if you are a fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms series, you are going to absolutely adore this.
The story in Lonen’s War has strong resemblances to the story in The Mark of the Tala, as well as The Queen of the Tearling. In all of these stories, a young woman who has been locked away and denied the knowledge of her birthright finds out everything anyway, and takes somewhat untutored command when events head towards disaster. Also as in The Mark of the Tala, the definition of “barbarian” depends a lot on which side of the conflict you are standing in. If handsome is as handsome does, and barbarism is as barbarian does, the supposedly savage Destrye turn out to be way less barbarous than the supposedly civilized Barans.
No one expects any of these overlooked princesses to succeed. In fact, there are plenty of forces in all three stories who are gleefully counting on failure – and most of them are supposedly on the princess’s side.
The story in Lonen’s War starts out as a conquest story, and ends up as the very beginning of a very necessary (and probably very messessary) political overthrow. The powers that be in Oria’s kingdom of Bara have held unchallenged sway for far too long.
We have a tale of power corrupting, absolute power corrupting absolutely, and all the chickens coming home to roost in the form of vicious monsters who are happy to kill everyone on both sides to get what they believe is their due.
Oria is the princess that everyone tries to forget. She seems to be unable to muster the maturity to grasp the magical power that her people hold. Now in her early 20s, she is a princess-bird in a gilded cage, who must remain in her cage or be overwhelmed by the unmanaged and unmanageable emotions of others.
Oria is thought to be emotionally and psychologically fragile, and is kept physically fragile as well. She is also kept in the dark. She may not be able to master her people’s magic, but her intellect works perfectly well. As she proves when her country is conquered and she is the last member of the royal house still standing.
But the peace that she negotiates with the leader of their conquerors is as fragile as she is, and her power is swept away by law and custom the moment that an alternative ruler is found. It is up to Oria to make common cause with the Barbarian King, Lonen, in order to forge a peace for both their countries, to face an enemy that will destroy them all.
For sport.
Escape Rating A-: Lonen’s War starts out just a bit slow. It is necessary for the progress of the story to see the way that power is controlled in Bara, and to learn both just how much Oria has been kept in the dark, and how deeply out of touch the powers that be in her country are. But when Oria is essentially gnashing her teeth at everything that is being kept from her, this reader was gnashing right along with her.
All of the problems that occur in this story are problems that the Barans have brought upon themselves. I would say that they may deserve their fate, but it is the people who will die first while the so-called nobility hide behind their walls.
The Barans believed that they could do as they pleased to the rest of their world, because they believed that no one could stop them. And they choose to stop at nothing to stay on top of what turns out to be a rather decaying heap. It is Oria, with her lack of formal training, who is able to think outside of the conventional box and see her people for what they really are.
Although the story is titled Lonen’s War, most of the perspective comes from Oria’s side of the story. Lonen and his people are forced to bring their war to Baran, but it is Oria who helps find a peace that can work for both parties. Unfortunately there are just too many forces arrayed against her among her own people for her way to be easy. Or quick.
One of the constant themes in this story that is both interesting and frustrating centers around the keeping of secrets. Oria is kept in the dark because she is supposedly incapable. And the powers that be do everything in their power to reinforce that assumption. They want a weak and easily manipulated monarch, and Oria is not that.
However, once Oria finally becomes privy to some of those deadly secrets, she in her turn keeps them from Lonen so that he will fall in with her plans. She has the best of intentions, but those secrets are bound to bite them both in the ass in later books. Especially as our heroes are about to enter into a marriage of convenience (and probably a lot of inconvenience) as this book closes. For this political alliance to turn into a real marriage, someone is going to have to eat a lot of crow.
I can hardly wait. Oria’s Gambit is coming next month!
July 18, 2016
I am stoked for a new fantasy romance series from the ever-creative Jeffe Kennedy! With this first installment of the Sorcerous Moons series, Jeffe has given me another hero with which I can ply my Jason Momoa fantasies. And that is always a good thing. I am finding that I like the fantastical tales that feature at least one barbarian race. This particular barbarian race, the Destrye, is reminiscent of the Korwahk in Kristen Ashley's The Golden Dynasty or the Dothraki in Game of Thrones.
The Bara are a magical people living in a desert-like environment in this fantastical land. The male and female population have a symbiotic relationship in that the female sorceresses can feed the male sorcerers magic. However before you can become a sorcerer(ess), you must first learn perfect hwil. Our heroine, Princess Oria, has not managed hwil and thus has been somewhat isolated in a tower for her protection. When war breaks out at the Bara's gates with the Destrye, Oria must learn to cope with overwhelming emotions to help her people. Oria was a great heroine - both intelligent and level-headed. Despite being sheltered in her tower, she demonstrated much better judgment, compassion and bravery than her royal family and council of advisers.
As stated above, the Destrye are a somewhat barbarian race. They are non-magical and the masked Bara sorcerers creep them out. The Bara sorcerers have been sending golems to steal Destrye water and the creatures kill any woman, child or livestock that stands in the way of its task. In effort to save their land, women and children, the Destrye have attacked the Bara hoping to stop the golem attacks. The king and his four sons are all fighting in the war, and Prince Lonen becomes our hero. While Lonen is forced to commit horrid acts to win the war, he really is an honorable man. The situation has become "us or them" because the Bara showed no mercy when it came to their golem attacks. Lonen sincerely cared about his people... but the Destrye as a whole seemed much more reasonable than the Bara, who bypassed necessity and are operating on greed at the time of the war.
So there really is not any romance in this first installment. This book focuses more on world building and gives us the foundation for a future romance between Oria and Lonen. As always, Jeffe is a fabulous world builder. I admire her imagination, which was really put to work here creating these diverse races of people, landscapes and magical creatures. One of my favorite aspects of the story was Princess Oria's familiar, Chuffta, an ivory-scaled winged lizard reminiscent of the baby dragons in GoT. There are also actual dragons in the story, steeds for a powerful (and creepy) race of beings known as the Trom. I am sure we will be seeing lots of more of the Trom in future books of the series. There is also a good amount of political intrigue and in-fighting that you expect in most royal families and their council of advisers.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes high fantasy or fantasy romance. Romance fans keep in mind that this is just the beginning of the story so you only see the potential for the relationship in this first book. I can say there is good chemistry between our hero and heroine and, knowing Jeffe, we are sure to get a steamy relationship in the future.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
July 20, 2016
Gabi
3.75 stars
This is the first book from Jeffe Kennedy I've read and I am NOT disappointed. I loved this work and Oria and Lonen.
To watch the war and hope for end end and then to watch Princess Oria grow and become who she is meant to be and to watch Lonen become the king he is was truly magical. I lived in the world and waited with baited breath as the plot twisted and turned. My only wish is for book 2 to come sooner!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.75 stars
This is the first book from Jeffe Kennedy I've read and I am NOT disappointed. I loved this work and Oria and Lonen.
To watch the war and hope for end end and then to watch Princess Oria grow and become who she is meant to be and to watch Lonen become the king he is was truly magical. I lived in the world and waited with baited breath as the plot twisted and turned. My only wish is for book 2 to come sooner!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 21, 2017
2.5 stars
Somehow I missed that this was a series. So when I got to the 75% mark and the main couple of characters STILL hadn't moved beyond just talking to one another in a way that wasn't very personal, I started to get a little annoyed. As it turns out, they never get beyond that in this book. Disappointing. I am sure that changes in future books in this series but the plot on it's own was too simplistic and the characters a little too flat for me to bother with reading the next book.
Somehow I missed that this was a series. So when I got to the 75% mark and the main couple of characters STILL hadn't moved beyond just talking to one another in a way that wasn't very personal, I started to get a little annoyed. As it turns out, they never get beyond that in this book. Disappointing. I am sure that changes in future books in this series but the plot on it's own was too simplistic and the characters a little too flat for me to bother with reading the next book.
April 24, 2018
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures: http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
I love Jeffe Kennedy’s books, and had been meaning to start her Sorcerous Moons trilogy for a while now. (And by “for a while” I mean “since 2016,” because my TBR pile has been known to get the better of me.) I finally charged my Kindle and got around to reading this one, and I have so many thoughts and feelings. Overall it was a quick and enjoyable read. And I’m not even gonna touch on the zombies/dragons in this review. You’ll have to read the book yourself for that.
The basic premise of the story is this: Oria is a sheltered princess in a country full of mages, but she’s a late-bloomer and hasn’t come into her powers. Her city is attacked by Destrye barbarians, among them the sexy prince Lonen. Oria steps out of her tower and starts taking responsibility for her people, but she really doesn’t know much, because her lack of coming into her full powers means that she’s super sensitive to other people’s thoughts/emotions/etc., and being around people overstimulates her quickly.
Let’s talk about the war between Bara (Oria’s kingdom) and the Destrye, because there’s a lot of world building. I liked the complexity of both kingdoms. Bara is fascinating to read about, with its masked sorcerers and sorceresses who are capable of great feats. But the sorcery is of course tangled up with politics and religion, so Oria can’t just step into power to save her people, she has to placate the Temple and deal with her own ambitious family members who want the crown for themselves. When the book starts, Oria is super innocent and doesn’t understand the politics, because she’s rarely left her tower and was seen as a failure and didn’t see herself as a candidate for the throne. She has always thought very highly of her own people, and is shocked as she learns the reasoning behind the catastrophic war. So there’s a lot of character development and growth as she steps up to the plate to become the leader her people need to prevent even more bloodshed. And you can’t say that her people are the “good guys,” even if she herself is a good person.
Lonen is very similar to Oria in that he doesn’t think he’s going to rule. But war has a way of messing with succession, and he finds himself making decisions for his people that he didn’t think he’d have to make, at least not for a very long time. I felt like the Destrye society wasn’t as fleshed out as Bara, but that is partly because we spend so much time seeing Oria’s city under attack that we don’t get to see much of what Lonen’s home life was like. I hope that there’s more about Destrye culture later in the series.
I started Lonen’s War expecting a fantasy romance, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it that. It’s more like fantasy with the seeds of a romance, because the book doesn’t end with Oria and Lonen realizing their feelings for each other and living happily ever after. The book is about the beginning of a relationship, not the actual relationship, and I’m really curious to see how the romance aspect of the story plays out in the rest of the trilogy.
I did wish that the ending more of an ending and not quite so cliff-hangery; I felt like there was a natural stopping point, but that we went a bit past it. Y’know, like when you’re playing DND, and you finish a boss fight, and you’re at the place where you feel you naturally should end the game but there’s another half hour left of your allotted game time and instead of ending early you start pushing on into the next story arc but then you have to break abruptly in the middle of something? It feels like that–which is fine if it’s a Saturday and you can binge read straight into the next book, but not so much on a work night.
I love Jeffe Kennedy’s books, and had been meaning to start her Sorcerous Moons trilogy for a while now. (And by “for a while” I mean “since 2016,” because my TBR pile has been known to get the better of me.) I finally charged my Kindle and got around to reading this one, and I have so many thoughts and feelings. Overall it was a quick and enjoyable read. And I’m not even gonna touch on the zombies/dragons in this review. You’ll have to read the book yourself for that.
The basic premise of the story is this: Oria is a sheltered princess in a country full of mages, but she’s a late-bloomer and hasn’t come into her powers. Her city is attacked by Destrye barbarians, among them the sexy prince Lonen. Oria steps out of her tower and starts taking responsibility for her people, but she really doesn’t know much, because her lack of coming into her full powers means that she’s super sensitive to other people’s thoughts/emotions/etc., and being around people overstimulates her quickly.
Let’s talk about the war between Bara (Oria’s kingdom) and the Destrye, because there’s a lot of world building. I liked the complexity of both kingdoms. Bara is fascinating to read about, with its masked sorcerers and sorceresses who are capable of great feats. But the sorcery is of course tangled up with politics and religion, so Oria can’t just step into power to save her people, she has to placate the Temple and deal with her own ambitious family members who want the crown for themselves. When the book starts, Oria is super innocent and doesn’t understand the politics, because she’s rarely left her tower and was seen as a failure and didn’t see herself as a candidate for the throne. She has always thought very highly of her own people, and is shocked as she learns the reasoning behind the catastrophic war. So there’s a lot of character development and growth as she steps up to the plate to become the leader her people need to prevent even more bloodshed. And you can’t say that her people are the “good guys,” even if she herself is a good person.
Lonen is very similar to Oria in that he doesn’t think he’s going to rule. But war has a way of messing with succession, and he finds himself making decisions for his people that he didn’t think he’d have to make, at least not for a very long time. I felt like the Destrye society wasn’t as fleshed out as Bara, but that is partly because we spend so much time seeing Oria’s city under attack that we don’t get to see much of what Lonen’s home life was like. I hope that there’s more about Destrye culture later in the series.
I started Lonen’s War expecting a fantasy romance, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it that. It’s more like fantasy with the seeds of a romance, because the book doesn’t end with Oria and Lonen realizing their feelings for each other and living happily ever after. The book is about the beginning of a relationship, not the actual relationship, and I’m really curious to see how the romance aspect of the story plays out in the rest of the trilogy.
I did wish that the ending more of an ending and not quite so cliff-hangery; I felt like there was a natural stopping point, but that we went a bit past it. Y’know, like when you’re playing DND, and you finish a boss fight, and you’re at the place where you feel you naturally should end the game but there’s another half hour left of your allotted game time and instead of ending early you start pushing on into the next story arc but then you have to break abruptly in the middle of something? It feels like that–which is fine if it’s a Saturday and you can binge read straight into the next book, but not so much on a work night.
January 14, 2024
pretty good 👍
I was surprised about how much I enjoyed this book I’m still trying to get used to third person but how this is written I love it.
I was surprised about how much I enjoyed this book I’m still trying to get used to third person but how this is written I love it.
April 1, 2019
Wow! I just finished this book and I am stunned. I have been a fan of Jeffe Kennedy for a few years now and she graciously sent me a copy of the first three books in this series to read and review. Life and work got in the way for awhile, but then I finally started Lonen’s War. Let me tell you, if you want high fantasy, monarchy, warring factions, dragons, and romance in one place, you need to try this book!
The book starts in the middle of a war and is confusing at first, but I realized later that the early chapters were necessary for worldbuilding. Speaking of which, this world is elaborate and reminiscent of high fantasy. On one side are the Bara, who rule several smaller villages around them. They are engaged in a war with the Destrye, people of a neighboring place called Dru. We see the Bara side of things through Oria, a princess locked in a tower and the Destrye side of things through Lonen, prince and third in line for the throne of Dru.
Lonen’s chapters reveal a typical race. They have been forced to war by the Bara and while the male warriors go off to war, the women, children, and a small contingent of fighters is sent to safety. When the two sides come to an agreement following much death on both sides, we get a better taste of what Destrye life is like. They appear to be a quiet people who settle in nature. As Lonen returns to his people as their king following the deaths of his father and older brothers, we see him working out reasonable considerations. The romance also starts to come into play here as he can’t get his mind off Oria and starts to compare her to his selfish fiancée Nataly.
The Bara and Oria took more time to understand. Certain Baran women are sorceresses and control a flow of magic (I think) called Sgath. That Sgath is then channeled to male sorcerers, who can execute the magic through Grien, or special affinities. Also, it appears that Sgath is linked to the sun and Grien to the moon. Ideally, a sorceress with Sgath would be matched to a temple blessed partner with Grien. However, all females and males have to come into their Sgath and Grien first and wear masks afterwards.
Oria is a young princess trying to come into her Sgath. She has been told she is special and she stays in a tower until she comes into her Sgath. Additionally, we find out that she cannot take the touch of anyone but her parents and that she has the ability to sense emotions. To me, it seems that she is an empath and this is one of the things that will set her apart and give her an advantage.
Oria in most of this book laments her inability to come into Sgath and is thrown into roles she is not ready for when the war between the Destrye and Bara takes an unexpected turn. I will say that although I liked Oria and understood her struggles, I did not like that she made promises without really knowing what was going on. Part of that I guess was the impulsiveness of a sheltered princess. She has a lot to learn. I have a feeling she just did the same again with her actions at the end of this book.
I am really interested in Chuffta and also the Throm. What is Otis’s connection to the Throm. Perhaps I’m about to find out, because I’m going on to start Oria’s Gambit.
The book starts in the middle of a war and is confusing at first, but I realized later that the early chapters were necessary for worldbuilding. Speaking of which, this world is elaborate and reminiscent of high fantasy. On one side are the Bara, who rule several smaller villages around them. They are engaged in a war with the Destrye, people of a neighboring place called Dru. We see the Bara side of things through Oria, a princess locked in a tower and the Destrye side of things through Lonen, prince and third in line for the throne of Dru.
Lonen’s chapters reveal a typical race. They have been forced to war by the Bara and while the male warriors go off to war, the women, children, and a small contingent of fighters is sent to safety. When the two sides come to an agreement following much death on both sides, we get a better taste of what Destrye life is like. They appear to be a quiet people who settle in nature. As Lonen returns to his people as their king following the deaths of his father and older brothers, we see him working out reasonable considerations. The romance also starts to come into play here as he can’t get his mind off Oria and starts to compare her to his selfish fiancée Nataly.
The Bara and Oria took more time to understand. Certain Baran women are sorceresses and control a flow of magic (I think) called Sgath. That Sgath is then channeled to male sorcerers, who can execute the magic through Grien, or special affinities. Also, it appears that Sgath is linked to the sun and Grien to the moon. Ideally, a sorceress with Sgath would be matched to a temple blessed partner with Grien. However, all females and males have to come into their Sgath and Grien first and wear masks afterwards.
Oria is a young princess trying to come into her Sgath. She has been told she is special and she stays in a tower until she comes into her Sgath. Additionally, we find out that she cannot take the touch of anyone but her parents and that she has the ability to sense emotions. To me, it seems that she is an empath and this is one of the things that will set her apart and give her an advantage.
Oria in most of this book laments her inability to come into Sgath and is thrown into roles she is not ready for when the war between the Destrye and Bara takes an unexpected turn. I will say that although I liked Oria and understood her struggles, I did not like that she made promises without really knowing what was going on. Part of that I guess was the impulsiveness of a sheltered princess. She has a lot to learn. I have a feeling she just did the same again with her actions at the end of this book.
I am really interested in Chuffta and also the Throm. What is Otis’s connection to the Throm. Perhaps I’m about to find out, because I’m going on to start Oria’s Gambit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
I'm a pretty big fan of Jeffe Kennedy, though I admit I generally read her contemporary romances and this is my first time reading one of her fantasy books. First of all, it won't be my last and I'm so glad there is a backlist of books for me to tackle. Loren's War was a really great start to the Sorcerous Moons series.
Loren's War has much world building and I loved the pacing Jeffe Kennedy does with her world building. I've found when reading fantasy series, sometimes there is too much information thrown at the reader all at once, yet felt the pacing was perfect with Loren's War.
I absolutely adored Princess Oria from the moment we met her. I knew she was way stronger than anyone had ever given her credit for being and I loved that she proved to be even stronger than I had originally anticipated. I did love that she had her familiar Chuffta with her to help with her concentration and her magic and her mother, Queen Rhianna always in her corner, even when Oria's own brother and the priestesses of the land try to stand in her way.
Loren and the army of the Destrye had little choice in attacking Bara after suffering years of attacks from them. While the battle was bloody and devastating on both sides, the connection between Loren and Oria is obvious from the moment they first see each other. I loved that they each felt a bit of inherent trust when making treaties with each other. The fact that Oria's brother Yar is working behind her back to break the treaty, really didn't surprise me. Honestly, I wasn't really a big fan of her brothers Nat and Yar, and their actions never really surprised me. I did love how Oria proposed fixing the treaty between Destrye an Bara with Loren, though I need more information as to some of her stipulations.
Loren's War pulled me into Jeffe Kennedy's new world and has me wanting the other books in the series immediately. Luckily, there isn't too long a wait for the next book in the series, as Oria's Gambit is set for release in August.
Review copy provided by publisher
Loren's War has much world building and I loved the pacing Jeffe Kennedy does with her world building. I've found when reading fantasy series, sometimes there is too much information thrown at the reader all at once, yet felt the pacing was perfect with Loren's War.
I absolutely adored Princess Oria from the moment we met her. I knew she was way stronger than anyone had ever given her credit for being and I loved that she proved to be even stronger than I had originally anticipated. I did love that she had her familiar Chuffta with her to help with her concentration and her magic and her mother, Queen Rhianna always in her corner, even when Oria's own brother and the priestesses of the land try to stand in her way.
Loren and the army of the Destrye had little choice in attacking Bara after suffering years of attacks from them. While the battle was bloody and devastating on both sides, the connection between Loren and Oria is obvious from the moment they first see each other. I loved that they each felt a bit of inherent trust when making treaties with each other. The fact that Oria's brother Yar is working behind her back to break the treaty, really didn't surprise me. Honestly, I wasn't really a big fan of her brothers Nat and Yar, and their actions never really surprised me. I did love how Oria proposed fixing the treaty between Destrye an Bara with Loren, though I need more information as to some of her stipulations.
Loren's War pulled me into Jeffe Kennedy's new world and has me wanting the other books in the series immediately. Luckily, there isn't too long a wait for the next book in the series, as Oria's Gambit is set for release in August.
Review copy provided by publisher
December 11, 2019
Book One:
Okay, so the first twelve pages or so I felt a little 🤔 not lost, but like the writer was being overly bold in her introduction of the world and its rules. It felt overwhelming and with Oria's calm, peaceful tower a bit boring.
I didn't know that was the point. It's not a reflection of her character development or world building skills. No, it was the calm before the storm and an introduction to Oria's very strict and regimented life.
I dove into this book and after about page 16 (in an eReader) or so I could NOT put it down!!!
Wow you guys! The complicated world that Oria comes from is contrasted by Lonen's more simplistic way of life but that doesn't mean he isn't multilayered and deep. He is such a rich and complex character.
Chufta seemed an odd Familiar at first, echoing the same sorta sentiments over and over, but he too begins to burgeon and grow into a beautiful, deep and essential character in his own right.
I have so many suspicions as to where the story is going and the underlying message hiding in the subtext but I'll totally keep my mouth shut so I don't ruin it for anyone.
Happy reading!! 🎉 😄
Okay, so the first twelve pages or so I felt a little 🤔 not lost, but like the writer was being overly bold in her introduction of the world and its rules. It felt overwhelming and with Oria's calm, peaceful tower a bit boring.
I didn't know that was the point. It's not a reflection of her character development or world building skills. No, it was the calm before the storm and an introduction to Oria's very strict and regimented life.
I dove into this book and after about page 16 (in an eReader) or so I could NOT put it down!!!
Wow you guys! The complicated world that Oria comes from is contrasted by Lonen's more simplistic way of life but that doesn't mean he isn't multilayered and deep. He is such a rich and complex character.
Chufta seemed an odd Familiar at first, echoing the same sorta sentiments over and over, but he too begins to burgeon and grow into a beautiful, deep and essential character in his own right.
I have so many suspicions as to where the story is going and the underlying message hiding in the subtext but I'll totally keep my mouth shut so I don't ruin it for anyone.
Happy reading!! 🎉 😄
February 20, 2024
2.5
was on the verge of giving up reading. The beginning bored me a lot and only the ending, the plot and the characters began to interest me.
The magic system is interesting but the truth is that I'm debating whether to continue with the series or not.
was on the verge of giving up reading. The beginning bored me a lot and only the ending, the plot and the characters began to interest me.
The magic system is interesting but the truth is that I'm debating whether to continue with the series or not.
December 13, 2019
Interesting world building, intriguing characters, but a bit of an abrupt ending. Holding off on my final verdict till I finish the rest of the series, but for now...3.75 stars
December 6, 2021
Je dois dire que j’ai du mal à savoir par où commencer ! L’univers est fascinant, mais incroyablement complexe, et il faut pas mal de temps pour tout comprendre, surtout que cela démarre directement en pleine action et que nous avons beaucoup d’informations à ingurgiter dès le départ, ce qui complique les choses pour assimiler le monde dans lequel se trouve le récit. J’ai trouvé le concept des prêtresses et enchanteurs vraiment original par la façon dont il est amené et par la complexité de leurs pouvoirs et la manière que l’auteure a de nous le présenter. Une fois entré dans l’histoire, j’ai vraiment adoré ce monde original et captivant qui nous réserve toujours plus de surprises et qui semble cacher encore bien des secrets !
Il est rare qu’une héroïne ne nous agace pas une seule fois lors d’un récit, d’une quelconque façon. Et pourtant, c’est le cas d’Oria ! J’ai vraiment totalement adoré ce personnage, cette jeune femme qu’on aurait cru naïve en vue du résumé et du début du récit, mais qui est bien plus mature que ce à quoi on s’attend d’elle. Elle assume le poids des événements et ne tergiverse pas inutilement, non. Elle ne tourne pas autour du pot, comme on dit ! Elle agit quand il le faut, prend les seules décisions possibles et assume ses choix. J’ai vraiment adoré cette jeune femme qui fait au mieux pour le peuple qu’elle n’a pourtant fait qu’observer de sa tour, pour la plupart, en tout cas. C’est une jeune femme avec une force intérieure incroyable qui ne se laisse pas manipuler, elle n’est pas crédule, elle sait ce que représente la guerre qu’ils mènent face aux Destrye mais elle affronte les révélations la tête haute, attendant de faire ce qu’il faut pour arranger les choses. Elle m’a rendue admirative !
Ensuite, nous avons le prince Lonen des Destrye. C’est un guerrier, et il compte bien se venger de ceux qui s’en sont pris si souvent à son peuple. Quand il lance l’attaque aux côtés de son père et de ses frères, il ne croit pas à la réussite de ce plan, mais il sait qu’il n’y a aucune autre solution. C’est quelqu’un de courageux, protecteur, farouche, féroce quand il le faut, et loyal. Mais il ne s’attendait pas à se trouver face à quelqu’un comme Oria. Elle le trouble et déclenche en lui l’envie de la protéger, cette jeune femme qui semble si fragile mais qui a ce regard résolu et fort. Les émotions contradictoires qu’il ressent à son égard le troublent, mais il n’en perd pas de vue son objectif. J’ai adoré son histoire, son caractère, sa force intérieure encore plus que sa force physique, son attachement à sa famille et à son peuple, et sa façon de tenir le coup face aux drames qu’il doit affronter. Un personnage comme je les aime !
Il y a beaucoup de personnages secondaires, et on s’attache à eux, parfois ils nous surprennent, autant en bien quand mal, et l’on finit par ne plus savoir à quoi s’attendre d’eux ! Je dois dire que c’est bien joué de la part de l’auteure, qui nous fait nous interroger, à vouloir découvrir chacun de leurs secrets.
En conclusion, si j’ai eu du mal à assimiler l’univers au début, j’ai vite été captivée par la complexité de celui-ci et par son originalité, mais surtout par ses personnages forts qui affrontent les événements la tête haute et qui ne tergiversent pas inutilement en débat stérile. Une fantasy comme je les aime qui promet énormément de choses, et avec cette fin, il me tarde de lire la suite !
Il est rare qu’une héroïne ne nous agace pas une seule fois lors d’un récit, d’une quelconque façon. Et pourtant, c’est le cas d’Oria ! J’ai vraiment totalement adoré ce personnage, cette jeune femme qu’on aurait cru naïve en vue du résumé et du début du récit, mais qui est bien plus mature que ce à quoi on s’attend d’elle. Elle assume le poids des événements et ne tergiverse pas inutilement, non. Elle ne tourne pas autour du pot, comme on dit ! Elle agit quand il le faut, prend les seules décisions possibles et assume ses choix. J’ai vraiment adoré cette jeune femme qui fait au mieux pour le peuple qu’elle n’a pourtant fait qu’observer de sa tour, pour la plupart, en tout cas. C’est une jeune femme avec une force intérieure incroyable qui ne se laisse pas manipuler, elle n’est pas crédule, elle sait ce que représente la guerre qu’ils mènent face aux Destrye mais elle affronte les révélations la tête haute, attendant de faire ce qu’il faut pour arranger les choses. Elle m’a rendue admirative !
Ensuite, nous avons le prince Lonen des Destrye. C’est un guerrier, et il compte bien se venger de ceux qui s’en sont pris si souvent à son peuple. Quand il lance l’attaque aux côtés de son père et de ses frères, il ne croit pas à la réussite de ce plan, mais il sait qu’il n’y a aucune autre solution. C’est quelqu’un de courageux, protecteur, farouche, féroce quand il le faut, et loyal. Mais il ne s’attendait pas à se trouver face à quelqu’un comme Oria. Elle le trouble et déclenche en lui l’envie de la protéger, cette jeune femme qui semble si fragile mais qui a ce regard résolu et fort. Les émotions contradictoires qu’il ressent à son égard le troublent, mais il n’en perd pas de vue son objectif. J’ai adoré son histoire, son caractère, sa force intérieure encore plus que sa force physique, son attachement à sa famille et à son peuple, et sa façon de tenir le coup face aux drames qu’il doit affronter. Un personnage comme je les aime !
Il y a beaucoup de personnages secondaires, et on s’attache à eux, parfois ils nous surprennent, autant en bien quand mal, et l’on finit par ne plus savoir à quoi s’attendre d’eux ! Je dois dire que c’est bien joué de la part de l’auteure, qui nous fait nous interroger, à vouloir découvrir chacun de leurs secrets.
En conclusion, si j’ai eu du mal à assimiler l’univers au début, j’ai vite été captivée par la complexité de celui-ci et par son originalité, mais surtout par ses personnages forts qui affrontent les événements la tête haute et qui ne tergiversent pas inutilement en débat stérile. Une fantasy comme je les aime qui promet énormément de choses, et avec cette fin, il me tarde de lire la suite !
July 29, 2017
3.5 out of 5 stars
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Jeffe Kennedy's Lonen's War is an excellent example of a fantasy, coming of age story about a young princess who has spent her entire life being sheltered, who is then forced into a role of responsibility after the shit hits the fan.
Oria was definitely a likable heroine. She's brave, has a strong moral compass, and tenacious. I also understood why she stayed up in her tower her whole life. She had been taught that it was the right thing for her to do to keep herself safe, but when it becomes clear that is no longer an option if her country is going to function properly, this girl steps up. You could literally picture the tethers holding her down being cut away with each trial she overcomes, so, by the end of this book, you have a newly minted, strong, and capable young woman who has a plan she intends to see come to fruition.
She also has a pet dragon that she can communicate with telepathically, which is just awesome in my books.
As for Lonen, he seems more like a place holder at this point. I get why the Destrye attacked the Bara, and why he feels the way he does about magic. You would hate all magic too if it had been systematically bleeding your country of its resources, while killing your people. However, I never really got a lock on his personality. I know he is more open minded then his people, but other then that, he's kind of like a card board cut out version of every romantic fantasy hero known to man. He's strong, rugged, can fight, and the heroine thinks he's sexy. Basically, he's been done before, and done better. Hopefully, his character can be redeemed in the second book.
As for the plot progression, the fighting between the Destrye and the Bara flowed nicely. The progression gave me the slow build you always want in fantasy war related scenario's, and the end result was satisfying to read. However, the last third of the book, which detailed the events happening after the battle and negotiations were over, was very rushed. I have a feeling it was because Kennedy had to split Lonen and Oria up in order for things to progress in a way that made sense, but, damn, did she squeeze months of time into so few chapters in order to get these two back in the same room. Meanwhile, the battle related scenes took place over the span of a week, and around 2/3 of the novel. Basically, it was a little jarring.
However, despite these faults, I did enjoy this book. The events of this book met the majority of my expectations going into a novel like this. The heroine is strong, but still has room to grow. There are threats to her coming from all angles, and the big bad guy is sufficiently scary. And with the way Kennedy ended the first book with a sort of 'what will happen next' cliffhanger, I am very much excited to see what happens in Oria’s Gambit. Therefore, I would definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers who enjoy coming of age stories about young female rulers in the face of some really bad odds. Lonen's War is definitely something you would enjoy.
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Jeffe Kennedy's Lonen's War is an excellent example of a fantasy, coming of age story about a young princess who has spent her entire life being sheltered, who is then forced into a role of responsibility after the shit hits the fan.
Oria was definitely a likable heroine. She's brave, has a strong moral compass, and tenacious. I also understood why she stayed up in her tower her whole life. She had been taught that it was the right thing for her to do to keep herself safe, but when it becomes clear that is no longer an option if her country is going to function properly, this girl steps up. You could literally picture the tethers holding her down being cut away with each trial she overcomes, so, by the end of this book, you have a newly minted, strong, and capable young woman who has a plan she intends to see come to fruition.
She also has a pet dragon that she can communicate with telepathically, which is just awesome in my books.
As for Lonen, he seems more like a place holder at this point. I get why the Destrye attacked the Bara, and why he feels the way he does about magic. You would hate all magic too if it had been systematically bleeding your country of its resources, while killing your people. However, I never really got a lock on his personality. I know he is more open minded then his people, but other then that, he's kind of like a card board cut out version of every romantic fantasy hero known to man. He's strong, rugged, can fight, and the heroine thinks he's sexy. Basically, he's been done before, and done better. Hopefully, his character can be redeemed in the second book.
As for the plot progression, the fighting between the Destrye and the Bara flowed nicely. The progression gave me the slow build you always want in fantasy war related scenario's, and the end result was satisfying to read. However, the last third of the book, which detailed the events happening after the battle and negotiations were over, was very rushed. I have a feeling it was because Kennedy had to split Lonen and Oria up in order for things to progress in a way that made sense, but, damn, did she squeeze months of time into so few chapters in order to get these two back in the same room. Meanwhile, the battle related scenes took place over the span of a week, and around 2/3 of the novel. Basically, it was a little jarring.
However, despite these faults, I did enjoy this book. The events of this book met the majority of my expectations going into a novel like this. The heroine is strong, but still has room to grow. There are threats to her coming from all angles, and the big bad guy is sufficiently scary. And with the way Kennedy ended the first book with a sort of 'what will happen next' cliffhanger, I am very much excited to see what happens in Oria’s Gambit. Therefore, I would definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers who enjoy coming of age stories about young female rulers in the face of some really bad odds. Lonen's War is definitely something you would enjoy.
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October 7, 2019So I've really enjoyed a number of Jeffe Kennedy books I've read.
[Although :X her Jenna ~books ... I read the first - was it a novella? And that one was ... too much :X it was like torture porn and I couldn't get into the next two...]
BUT ANYWAY this book/series.
... I tried it, but I'm skipping it.
First of all ... I think the heroine has a LONG way to go.
Also, it's interesting to start out with her ... but then find out her people are stealing a peoples water and slaughtering them ... I mean it's shades of genocide. And she's acting all put upon ...
Then it's the whole "they're barbarians and dark" ... 😒
And how same sex relationships HAPPEN but they're "not natural" - not balanced, not ideal.
I'd been thinking "but what about same sex relationships" before it was brought up - then it WAS brought up and I was like "oh happy surpri-" and read that and was like 😒
WHICH - I don't think the author intentionally was like "ugh" - it wasn't malicious or anything.
But ... you know.
Could do with some edits IMO.
I also don't have the patience to read 233 pages of slaughter and a spoiled "poor little rich girl" who needs to but can't get her shit together. >.>
[Also WTF with the masks yo] - which I guess I won't find out since I'm not reading this.
(I read a few reviews and there were others who seemed to feel the way I did about the heroine - and also there's no romance in this book so ... )
I'll "start" the series with book 2 and see how that goes.
[Although :X her Jenna ~books ... I read the first - was it a novella? And that one was ... too much :X it was like torture porn and I couldn't get into the next two...]
BUT ANYWAY this book/series.
... I tried it, but I'm skipping it.
First of all ... I think the heroine has a LONG way to go.
Also, it's interesting to start out with her ... but then find out her people are stealing a peoples water and slaughtering them ... I mean it's shades of genocide. And she's acting all put upon ...
Then it's the whole "they're barbarians and dark" ... 😒
And how same sex relationships HAPPEN but they're "not natural" - not balanced, not ideal.
I'd been thinking "but what about same sex relationships" before it was brought up - then it WAS brought up and I was like "oh happy surpri-" and read that and was like 😒
WHICH - I don't think the author intentionally was like "ugh" - it wasn't malicious or anything.
But ... you know.
Could do with some edits IMO.
I also don't have the patience to read 233 pages of slaughter and a spoiled "poor little rich girl" who needs to but can't get her shit together. >.>
[Also WTF with the masks yo] - which I guess I won't find out since I'm not reading this.
(I read a few reviews and there were others who seemed to feel the way I did about the heroine - and also there's no romance in this book so ... )
I'll "start" the series with book 2 and see how that goes.
December 30, 2023
This one was a total surprise. I just went into it without any expectations and have fallen in love. I adore the world. It's so different from any other fantasy world I've read. I love the division of magic between male and female principles and the subsequent abilities that men and women with magic have. I love how the author has also developed serious consequences for the culture's egotistical approach to the world and what is their due.
The city of Bara has suffered from drought for a very long time and has now ended up at war with Lonan's people. As things unfold, I liked discovering the complexity of the situation and really enjoyed how the author sets up the prejudices of both peoples while showing the fallacies in their thinking through the lens of their conflict.
The characters are incredibly strong. Lonan and Oria are fantastic characters and I definitely got sucked into both of their versions of what was going on. They are both flawed and at the same time immensely noble people. Very well done.
I'm definitely hooked and can't wait to find out more
The city of Bara has suffered from drought for a very long time and has now ended up at war with Lonan's people. As things unfold, I liked discovering the complexity of the situation and really enjoyed how the author sets up the prejudices of both peoples while showing the fallacies in their thinking through the lens of their conflict.
The characters are incredibly strong. Lonan and Oria are fantastic characters and I definitely got sucked into both of their versions of what was going on. They are both flawed and at the same time immensely noble people. Very well done.
I'm definitely hooked and can't wait to find out more
January 6, 2023
Lonen's War was not my favorite to read. It was hard to identify with the characters as they flowed with big life changing events - they both seemed like they should have power but they really didn't. They also instinctively trusted each other which I thought was weird but I am sure foretells of their future love. It also seemed like they couldn't trust anyone - everyone was ready to stab them in the back.
Having read other Jeffe Kennedy books, the scale of the stories and imagined worlds are impressive and intriguing. This first book feels like it was written to set the stage so we can understand the rest of the series. I will continue to read.
Having read other Jeffe Kennedy books, the scale of the stories and imagined worlds are impressive and intriguing. This first book feels like it was written to set the stage so we can understand the rest of the series. I will continue to read.
December 4, 2023
Not a great read but definitely not a bad one. The magic system is interesting if a bit confusing but interesting enough that I want to learn more and keep going with the series. The characters are intriguing enough right now in this first book that I also I'm going to keep reading. You can tell it's going to be a slow burn romance which is fine but already I'm not a big fan of some of the word choices let's say with regards to sexual aspects of the writing. Certain things were a bit cringy at times but I'm not going to let it bother me for now let's see how we do and book two.
January 10, 2025
Maybe I would have enjoyed this story more if the narration wasn't so abhorrent. All of the voices sound like decrepit old people with high-pitched voices. The main character sounded like a child. It was very off-putting.
The majority of the plot heavily revolves around politics, which I'm not really a fan of.
There aren't enough interactions between the MCs. It doesn't get interesting until literally the last 3 minutes of the book. I really want to know more about the marriage, but I don't think I can bear the listen to the narrator's voice.
The majority of the plot heavily revolves around politics, which I'm not really a fan of.
There aren't enough interactions between the MCs. It doesn't get interesting until literally the last 3 minutes of the book. I really want to know more about the marriage, but I don't think I can bear the listen to the narrator's voice.
June 12, 2017
Good lord this was bad. Everything about it was wooden. The two main characters were dull as anything, the dialogue was stiff, and the action was mild at best. I read it in about two hours and if it'd taken me longer than that, I wouldn't have finished it. My main draw was seeing the two come closer together, but they just talked and that was it. For the whole book. The political intrigue could've been so good but instead it was laughable.
Ughhhhhh I'm glad it didn't cost too much.
Ughhhhhh I'm glad it didn't cost too much.
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December 20, 2025[20.12.2025.]
Man this was lame and boring. Idek what else to say. Input all the typical criticism people have of romantasy and you get this book. Like what is even the point of writing about a girl who can't have sex if this is the result. Gah.
NO WAIT THERE WAS SOMETHING TO COMMENT ON and it was that the sexual content was really not there until the end of the book when you get flashbanged. 0-100
Man this was lame and boring. Idek what else to say. Input all the typical criticism people have of romantasy and you get this book. Like what is even the point of writing about a girl who can't have sex if this is the result. Gah.
NO WAIT THERE WAS SOMETHING TO COMMENT ON and it was that the sexual content was really not there until the end of the book when you get flashbanged. 0-100
June 22, 2017
This book nearly got a much higher rating, except that it just kept carrying on after where I was happy; passed a second ending point and right into a stupid cliff-hanger.
Interesting world building and good writing, but I probably won't be picking up book two in the series, as I finished this one with a bad taste in my mouth and felt really unsatisfied.
Interesting world building and good writing, but I probably won't be picking up book two in the series, as I finished this one with a bad taste in my mouth and felt really unsatisfied.
December 5, 2018
Yes, I’m hooked. I’ve read the first four books without even reviewing them. Oria is a gem of a heroine. A damsel with a spine of steel. Lonen is a gruff monster of a man with a heart of gold. No there’s not much actual romance here but there’s enough intrigue and wonder to keep me interested. And since I’m on a trashy romance binge right now... I’d say that’s amazing.
December 2, 2024
I love this series. This first book is more of an introduction to the world and our hero and heroine. All the romance comes in later books so this is just a really great fantasy with a promise of romance for the future.. This world will captivate you. Dragons, sorcery, barbarians, war, and noble promises.
July 20, 2018
This book captured my complete attention, and I had to keep going. However it doesn't feel finished. I understand there are sequels, but maybe that makes this kind of a prequel? I don't think that's accurate either. Regardless, I am excited to get the next book and devour it as well:)
February 1, 2019
I enjoyed this until I thought it was about to wrap up, and then I noticed that it has been stretched out over another half-dozen books. That seems like a lot as I was getting a bit frustrated with the way things had slowed down at the end. I could probably have taken one more book.
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